Ballymahon's Lt Col Mark Lennon (centre) and some of his fellow Irish peacekeepers at Camp Shamrock in Lebanon in December.

Irish troops 'well and accounted for' as Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeeper killed in Lebanon

Published: Mon 30 Mar 2026, 10:15 AM

Last updated: Mon 30 Mar 2026, 11:02 AM

By Rebekah O'Reilly

An Indonesian peacekeeper with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been killed in Adchit al-Qusayr in southern Lebanon, amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

“This is one of a number of incidents that have jeopardised the safety and security of peacekeepers, including over the past 48 hours,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

Another peacekeeper was critically injured in the incident.

All members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, including personnel from the 127th Infantry Battalion dispatched from Custume Barracks in Athlone, are said to be well and accounted for.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a “shocking escalation of violence”.

“The role of the peacekeeper must be respected and honoured at all times,” he said.

“Both Israel and Hezbollah must do everything in their power to keep peacekeepers from harm. I have been briefed by our Defence Forces, and all Irish personnel serving in Lebanon continue to be well and accounted for.”

In a separate incident, a Polish member of IRISHPOLBATT sustained minor injuries after a roadside device detonated near their patrol vehicle on Sunday.